How Do You Make Jewellery Candles?

How Do You Make Jewelry Candles? A Step-by-Step Guide to Crafting Your Own Hidden Treasure Candle

Jewellery candles combine the beauty of a fragrant candle with the excitement of discovering a hidden piece of jewellery inside. These unique candles make wonderful gifts or personal indulgences, as the melting wax gradually reveals a special surprise. If you’ve ever wondered how to make jewelry candles at home, this guide will take you through the process step-by-step, so you can create your own custom candles with a surprise twist.

What Are Jewelry Candles?

Jewellery candles are simply candles that contain a hidden piece of jewellery, such as a ring, necklace, bracelet, or earrings, embedded inside. As the candle burns, the wax melts away, and the jewellery is revealed, wrapped in heat-resistant foil or a small plastic bag to keep it safe and clean. The anticipation of waiting for the jewellery to appear adds an element of fun and excitement to lighting the candle.

Now that you know what jewellery candles are, let's dive into the materials and steps needed to make your own.

Materials You Will Need

To create your own jewellery candle at home, you’ll need the following materials:

Candle Ingredients:

1. Wax: Soy wax is often the best option for making candles because it burns cleanly and evenly. You can also use paraffin wax or beeswax if preferred.
2. Wicks: Cotton wicks are common, but you can use any wick that matches the size of your candle jar and wax type.
3. Fragrance Oils: Choose your favourite fragrance oils to scent your candle. These can range from floral to fruity or even seasonal scents.
4. Candle Dye (optional): If you’d like to add colour to your candle, you can use candle dye. Liquid, blocks, or chips are all suitable for colouring wax.
5. Candle Jar or Container: Choose a heat-safe container that will hold your wax and provide space for your hidden jewellery. Glass jars are a popular choice.
6. Jewellery: Select a piece of jewellery to hide inside your candle. Rings are most commonly used, but necklaces or earrings can also work, depending on the size of the container.
7. Aluminium Foil or Heat-Resistant Plastic Bag: You will need something to protect the jewellery from the wax and heat. Small plastic bags or foil work perfectly for this purpose.

Tools:

1. Double Boiler or Heatproof Measuring Cup: To melt the wax safely, you will need a double boiler or a heatproof measuring cup that can be placed in boiling water.
2. Thermometer: To ensure the wax reaches the correct pouring temperature (typically between 120°F and 140°F), a thermometer is helpful.
3. Wick Centering Tool: You’ll need something to keep the wick centred while the wax cools and hardens. You can use a wick holder or even a pair of chopsticks.
4. Glue Dots or Hot Glue Gun: This helps secure the wick to the bottom of your container before pouring the wax.

Step-by-Step Process for Making Jewelry Candles

Step 1: Prepare Your Work Area

Before you begin, make sure your workspace is clean and free of clutter. Lay down some newspaper or parchment paper to catch any spills or drips. Gather all of your materials and tools so everything is easily accessible.

Step 2: Secure the Wick

Using glue dots or a small amount of hot glue, secure the wick to the bottom centre of your candle jar or container. This will ensure that the wick stays in place while you pour the wax. Use a wick-centring tool or lay two chopsticks across the top of the jar to hold the wick upright as the wax hardens.

Step 3: Melt the Wax

Fill the bottom part of a double boiler with water and bring it to a simmer. Place your wax in the top part of the boiler and heat it gently until it melts. If you don’t have a double boiler, you can place a heatproof measuring cup or bowl into a pot of simmering water. Stir the wax occasionally with a heatproof spoon or spatula to ensure it melts evenly.

Monitor the temperature of the wax with a thermometer. Most waxes need to reach a temperature of around 180°F to 190°F for proper melting, but always check the manufacturer’s instructions on your wax package.

Step 4: Add Fragrance and Dye

Once the wax is fully melted, remove it from the heat. Allow it to cool slightly, to about 150°F, before adding your fragrance oils. The amount of fragrance oil you add depends on how strong you want the scent to be, but a typical guideline is about 1 ounce of fragrance oil per pound of wax.

If you’d like to add colour to your candle, now is the time to stir in candle dye. Make sure it’s completely dissolved and evenly mixed throughout the wax.

Step 5: Pour the First Layer of Wax

Pour a small amount of wax into the candle jar, just enough to cover the bottom and set the foundation for your candle. This layer helps stabilize the wick and create a smooth base before adding the jewellery. Allow this layer to cool for a few minutes, but don’t let it harden completely.

Step 6: Insert the Jewelry

Wrap your jewellery in aluminium foil or place it in a small, heat-resistant plastic bag. Make sure the wrapping is secure so that no wax seeps in. Gently place the jewellery in the candle jar, positioning it in the middle or off to one side. Be mindful not to push it too deep, as you want it to be discovered after a few hours of burning.

Step 7: Pour the Remaining Wax

Once the jewellery is in place, slowly pour the rest of the melted wax into the jar, covering the jewellery completely. Make sure the wick remains centred as you pour. Leave about half an inch of space from the top of the jar to prevent overflow when the candle burns.

Step 8: Let the Candle Cool

Allow the candle to cool and harden at room temperature. This process can take several hours, depending on the size of the candle. Do not move the candle while it is cooling to avoid creating bubbles or cracks in the wax.

Step 9: Trim the Wick

Once the candle has fully cooled and hardened, trim the wick to about 1/4 inch above the surface of the wax. This ensures a clean burn and prevents excess smoke when you light the candle.

Step 10: Decorate and Gift!

Your jewellery candle is now ready! You can add a personal touch by decorating the jar with ribbons, labels, or stickers. If you’re giving the candle as a gift, consider including a note or card explaining the surprise hidden inside.

Tips for Success

• Choose the Right Container: Make sure your candle jar or container is large enough to accommodate both the wax and the hidden jewellery. Glass containers are popular because they allow you to see the candle burning and the wax melting.

• Use Safe Materials: Be sure to wrap the jewellery in heat-resistant materials to avoid any damage. Aluminium foil or small plastic bags designed for high temperatures work best.

• Mind the Fragrance Strength: Avoid using too much fragrance oil, as it can affect how well the candle burns. Follow the recommended guidelines for the amount of oil based on the type of wax you’re using.

Conclusion

Making jewellery candles at home is a fun and creative project that combines the art of candle-making with the joy of discovering a hidden treasure. Whether you’re crafting a special gift or treating yourself, the process is rewarding and allows for endless customization. With a few simple materials and some patience, you can create your own beautiful and aromatic jewellery candles, adding a touch of surprise to your next candle-lit moment.